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Trumpeter Swans An Amazing Conservation Success Story

  Group of Trumpeter Swans


Trumpeter swans originally were found in the wetlands of Minnesota including along the river in Wacouta.  Unfortunately, in the 1800's swans were hunted for their meat, feathers, and skins.  By 1880, trumpeter swans were extirpated from all of Minnesota.


In the late 1960's, 40 swans from western Montana were transported by the Hennepin County Reserve to Minnesota to start a restoration program.  By 2023, the estimated trumpeter swan population in Minnesota was over 50,000.


Tundra Swans migrating overhead


During the second week of November, it is quite common to observe large flocks of tundra swans overhead as they migrate from their arctic nesting grounds to wintering grounds along Chesapeake Bay and the east coast.


On the other hand, trumpeter swans are residents of wetlands areas in Minnesota all year.  Only in severe cold winter temperatures and subsequent freeze-up will they migrate south.  Then only as far as needed to find open water.  I have observed trumpeter swans year around in the Wacouta area.  In most cases, I am attracted to their hoarse nasal honking before catching sight of them.


Tundra Swans flying and resting


During November of 2002-2005, I had the good fortune of joining a group of Swan Watch volunteers in Alma, Wisconsin to help visitors understand tundra swan activity at Rieck's Lake.

In the early 1990's, as many as 6,000 swans would stop to rest and refuel at this small lake every November.  The noise of them calling to each other in the late afternoon was deafening.  


Unfortunately, severe flooding in the Buffalo River watershed in the late 1990's brought in a huge amount of topsoil sediments into the lake.  Eventually, the lake was not a productive stop for these beautiful birds.


Swans at Brownsville


In 2001 and 2002, 1.5 foot drawdowns were conducted on Pool 8 of the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minnesota.  These drawdowns were extremely successful in restoring aquatic vegetation in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.  With very little food available in Rieck's Lake, tundra swans and other waterfowl were now being attracted to the Brownsville area.


Another interesting observation I have made over the years is tundra swans using Lake Pepin as a resting area on their spring migration to the nesting grounds. In March, it is quite common to observe numerous small groups of swans getting up off the lake early in the morning.  This usually coincided with my effort to start a wood fire for the first maple syrup boil of the spring.


Group of Swans at Brownsville


What makes Brownsville a better stopping point than the backwaters at the Head of Lake Pepin?  The plain and simple answer is the abundance of aquatic vegetation such as wild celery and arrowhead.


The backwaters around Red Wing, Bay City and Wacouta have filled in so much with sediment, the aquatic plants can't survive. Hopefully with the current restoration effort by the Army Corp of Engineers with the leadership and encouragement of Lake Pepin Legacy, conditions will improve.  Who knows, maybe in the future swans might stop here as well.


Tundra Swans Feeding Near a Muskrat House


Most of the nutritious food swans are searching for is found growing in the mud of the shallow backwaters.  Swans use their webbed feet to dislodge it.  They also use their large bills to pull up wild celery.


Nutritious Arrowhead Tuber


Once the tuber has been dislodged from the mud, it floats to the surface where it is scooped up with their large bills.


Trumpeter Swans in Wacouta


Assuming we have a normal winter with cold temperatures and ice covered backwaters, the best locations to observe trumpeter swans in Wacouta are Wacouta Bay and open water at the head of the lake.  Many times, I have observed swans in the open water where Bullard Creek enters the ice covered bay. That location is best approached on cross country skis.


  Trumpeter Swans in St. Croix River at Hudson, Wisconsin


Additional locations to observe wintering swans:

City Park and Boat Launch in Bay City

Walking Trail Leading Upstream From The Parking Lot At Lock And Dam # 3

Lakefront Park In Hudson, Wisconsin


Pair of Trumpeter Swans


I would like to conclude this post with a most unusual photo taken on the ice covered Wacouta Bay.  It was taken on Valentine's Day 2011!

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